U.S. patent number 9,440,579 [Application Number 14/708,697] was granted by the patent office on 2016-09-13 for photoluminescent step handle.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Cornel Lewis Gardner, Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman.
United States Patent |
9,440,579 |
Salter , et al. |
September 13, 2016 |
Photoluminescent step handle
Abstract
A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination
apparatus comprises a retractable handle having a proximal end
portion in connection with a tailgate. The retractable handle forms
an internal passage therethrough from the proximal end portion to a
distal end portion of the retractable handle. A light source is
disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit
a first emission through the internal passage. At least one light
emitting portion is disposed along a length of the retractable
handle and configured to output light derived from the first
emission to an outside environment.
Inventors: |
Salter; Stuart C. (White Lake,
MI), Gardner; Cornel Lewis (Romulus, MI), Surman; James
J. (Clinton Township, MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
(Dearborn, MI)
|
Family
ID: |
54264406 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/708,697 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150291086 A1 |
Oct 15, 2015 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
14603681 |
Jan 23, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
14086442 |
Nov 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q
3/68 (20170201); B60Q 1/307 (20130101); B60Q
3/30 (20170201); B60Q 1/2661 (20130101); B60Q
1/50 (20130101); B60Q 1/323 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60Q
3/06 (20060101); B60Q 1/26 (20060101); B60Q
1/30 (20060101); B60Q 1/32 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;362/600,606,608,609,611-614,551,555,541,542,485,543,487,496,505,501,506 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101337492 |
|
Jan 2009 |
|
CN |
|
201169230 |
|
Feb 2009 |
|
CN |
|
201193011 |
|
Feb 2009 |
|
CN |
|
29708699 |
|
Jul 1997 |
|
DE |
|
10319396 |
|
Nov 2004 |
|
DE |
|
10018800 |
|
Jun 2009 |
|
DE |
|
1793261 |
|
Jun 2007 |
|
EP |
|
1904785 |
|
Apr 2008 |
|
EP |
|
2778209 |
|
Sep 2014 |
|
EP |
|
2000159011 |
|
Jun 2000 |
|
JP |
|
2007238063 |
|
Sep 2007 |
|
JP |
|
2006047306 |
|
May 2006 |
|
WO |
|
2014068440 |
|
May 2014 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Vo; Tuyet
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Rogers; Jason Price Heneveld
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/603,681, filed Jan. 23, 2015, and entitled
"PHOTOLUMINESCENT TAILGATE AND STEP," which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/086,442, filed Nov. 21, 2013, and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING
SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE." The aforementioned related
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vehicle illumination apparatus comprising: a retractable
handle comprising a proximal end portion in connection with a
tailgate and forming an internal passage therethrough from the
proximal end portion to a distal end portion; a light source
disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit
a first emission through the internal passage; and at least one
light emitting portion configured to output light derived from the
first emission to an outside environment.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal passage
is at least partially light transmissive and light emitting portion
is configured to transmit the light derived from the first emission
from the internal passage to the outside environment.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
light emitting portion comprises a first light emitting portion
disposed proximate the distal end portion and configured to
illuminate at least a portion of the retractable handle.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
light emitting portion comprises a photoluminescent portion
configured to convert the first emission to a second emission.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retractable
handle comprises a proximal handle portion and a distal handle
portion configured to extend in a telescoping configuration.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the at least one
light emitting portion further comprises a second light emitting
portion positioned proximate a telescoping interface
interconnecting the proximal handle portion and the distal handle
portion.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
retractable step in connection with a tailgate of the vehicle and
comprising a tread portion.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one
light emitting portion is configured to output light derived from
the first emission and illuminate at least a portion of the
retractable handle.
9. A vehicle illumination apparatus comprising: a handle comprising
a proximal end portion in connection with a tailgate and configured
to transmit light from the proximal end portion to a distal end
portion; a light source disposed proximate the proximal end portion
and configured to emit a first emission through the handle; and at
least one light emitting portion configured to transmit light
derived from the first emission from the handle to an outside
environment.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the handle forms an
elongated bar having an at least partially light transmissive
internal passage configured to transmit the first emission from the
proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the handle.
11. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a
retractable step in connection with a tailgate of the vehicle and
comprising a tread portion.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one
light emitting portion is configured to output light derived from
the first emission and illuminate at least a portion of the
retractable handle.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the proximal end
portion of the retractable handle is configured to output a portion
of the first emission from the light source.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the proximal end
portion of the retractable handle portion is configured to direct
the portion of the first emission from the light source toward the
retractable step when the retractable handle is arranged in an
upright position.
15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the tread portion
comprises a photoluminescent portion configured to convert the
first emission to a second emission.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second
emission corresponds to a different color of light than the first
emission.
17. A vehicle illumination apparatus comprising: a retractable
handle assembly comprising a proximal end portion in connection
with a tailgate and forming an internal passage therethrough from
the proximal end portion to a distal end portion; a light source
disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit
a first emission through the internal passage; a light emitting
portion disposed on the handle portion and configured to output
light derived from the first emission; and a retractable step in
connection with a tailgate of the vehicle and comprising a tread
portion, wherein the retractable handle assembly is configured to
output light corresponding to the first emission and illuminate at
least a portion of the tread portion.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the tread portion
comprises a second photoluminescent portion configured to convert
the first emission to a third emission.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the at least one
light emitting portion comprises a first photoluminescent portion
configured to convert the first emission to a second emission.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the light emitting
portion is disposed proximate the distal end portion and configured
to illuminate at least a portion of the retractable handle.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to vehicle lighting
systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems
employing photoluminescent structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Illumination arising from photoluminescent materials offers a
unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desired
to incorporate such photoluminescent materials in portions of
vehicles to provide ambient and task lighting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle
illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus
comprises a retractable handle having a proximal end portion in
connection with a tailgate. The retractable handle forms an
internal passage therethrough from the proximal end portion to a
distal end portion of the retractable handle. A light source is
disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit
a first emission through the internal passage. At least one light
emitting portion is disposed along a length of the retractable
handle and configured to output light derived from the first
emission to an outside environment.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle
illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus
comprises a retractable handle having a proximal end portion in
connection with a tailgate and configured to transmit light from
the proximal end portion to a distal end portion. A light source is
disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit
a first emission through the handle. At least one light emitting
portion is disposed along a length of the retractable handle and
configured to transmit light derived from the first emission from
the handle to an outside environment.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle
illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus
comprises a retractable handle having a proximal end portion in
connection with a tailgate. The retractable handle forms an
internal passage therethrough from the proximal end portion to a
distal end portion. A light source is disposed proximate the
proximal end portion and configured to emit a first emission
through the internal passage. A light emitting portion is disposed
on the handle portion and configured to output light derived from
the first emission. Additionally, a retractable step is in
connection with a tailgate of the vehicle, which includes a tread
portion. The retractable handle assembly is configured to output
light corresponding to the first emission to illuminate at least a
portion of the tread portion.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present
invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in
the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and
appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior of a vehicle
demonstrating a lighting system;
FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a photoluminescent structure
rendered as a coating;
FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of a photoluminescent structure
rendered as a discrete particle;
FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of a plurality of photoluminescent
structures rendered as discrete particles and incorporated into a
separate structure;
FIG. 3 is schematic view of a front-lit configuration of a lighting
apparatus configured to convert a first wavelength of light to at
least a second wavelength;
FIG. 4 is schematic view of a back-lit configuration of a lighting
apparatus configured to convert a first wavelength of light to at
least a second wavelength;
FIG. 5 is a projected view of a tailgate of a vehicle demonstrating
a lighting system;
FIG. 6 is a side profile view of a retractable step disposed in a
tailgate demonstrating a lighting system;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tailgate of a vehicle comprising
a lighting system;
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a tailgate of a vehicle
comprising a lighting system; and
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a lighting system configured to
illuminate at least one photoluminescent portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are
disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are
not necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be
exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
disclosure.
As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of two or
more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed
by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items
can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as
containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A
alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in
combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
The following disclosure describes a lighting system for a vehicle
configured to illuminate a tread portion of a retractable step. In
some implementations, a light source may be utilized to illuminate
the tread portion such that the tread portion is visible for safe
access to a cargo area of the vehicle. The light source may be
configured to emit light at a first wavelength or an excitation
emission to excite a first photoluminescent portion disposed
proximate the tread portion. The first photoluminescent portion may
be configured to convert the first wavelength into a second
wavelength or a first output emission. The first wavelength may
correspond to a first color of light and the second wavelength may
correspond to a second color of light, different from the first
color. While the various implementations of the lighting system
described herein refer to specific structures demonstrated in
reference to at least one automotive vehicle, it will be
appreciated that the vehicle lighting system may be utilized in a
variety of applications.
Referring to FIG. 1, a lighting system 8 is shown in a projected
view of a cargo compartment 10 of a vehicle 12. The cargo
compartment 10 may correspond to a bed 14 (e.g. a truck bed) having
a tailgate 16 connected thereto. The tailgate 16 may comprise a
retractable step 18 configured to assist in accessing the bed 14.
The retractable step 18 is configured to be selectively positioned
in an extended position 20 as shown in FIG. 1 and a retracted
position as discussed later in reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the
extended position 20, the retractable step 18 provides a stepping
surface 22 supported by at least one support bracket 24 extending
from the tailgate 16. In this configuration, the retractable step
18 may provide for the cargo compartment 10 of the vehicle 12 to be
safely accessed by limiting a step height required to access the
cargo compartment 10.
The retractable step 18 comprises a tread portion 26. The tread
portion 26 may comprise a first photoluminescent portion 28. In the
extended position 20, the first photoluminescent portion 28 may be
configured to illuminate in response to receiving an excitation
emission 30 at a first wavelength from a light source 32. The light
source 32 may be configured to emit the excitation emission 30
toward the first photoluminescent portion 28 such that the first
wavelength of the excitation emission 30 impinges upon the first
photoluminescent portion 28. In response to receiving the
excitation emission 30, the first photoluminescent portion 28 may
become excited and emit a first output emission 34. In this way,
the lighting system 8 may selectively illuminate the tread portion
26 to provide safe access to the bed 14 via the tailgate 16.
The first output emission 34 is emitted from the tread portion 26
to provide ambient light such that the tread portion 26 is clearly
visible during dark environmental lighting conditions. The light
source 32 may be disposed within the tailgate 16 and concealed such
that the origin of the excitation emission 30 may not be
substantially visible when utilizing the retractable step 18. For
example, the at least one support bracket 24 of the retractable
step 18 may slidably engage a cavity 36 formed by a body portion 38
of the tailgate 16. The light source 32 may be disposed on an
interior wall 40 of the body portion 38 and configured to emit the
excitation emission 30 through a volumetric space 42 formed between
the light source 32 and the tread portion 26 in the extended
position 20. As discussed further in reference to FIGS. 5 and 6,
the cavity 36 formed by the body portion 38 is configured to house
and conceal the at least one support bracket 24 and the tread
portion 26 of the retractable step 18 in the retracted
position.
The at least one support bracket 24 may correspond to a first
support bracket 44 and a second support bracket 46. Each of the
first support bracket 44 and the second support bracket 46 comprise
a proximal end portion 48 and a distal end portion 50. At the
proximal end portion 48, the support brackets 44, 46 rotatably
engage a hinge support 52. Each of the hinge support 52 is
configured to slidably engage a channel portion 54 formed by the
body portion 38 such that each of the support brackets 24 may be
received by the channel portions 54 to accommodate the at least one
support bracket 24 in the retracted position.
In some implementations, a support rail 56 may be connected to the
tailgate 16. The support rail 56 may be configured to collapse
about a rotatable assembly 58 such that the support rail 56 may be
selectively positioned in a first position or a second position.
The first position may correspond to a stowed position,
substantially parallel to a first surface 60 (interior surface) of
the tailgate 16. The second position 62, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
may correspond to an upright position extending substantially
perpendicular to the first surface 60. As described herein, the
support rail 56 may be accessed from the first position by rotating
the support rail 56 about the rotatable assembly 58 into the second
position 62. In this configuration, the support rail 56 may provide
for a handle to further improve safe access to the cargo
compartment 10.
The first photoluminescent portion 28 as well as additional
photoluminescent portions discussed herein (e.g. a second
photoluminescent portion) may be configured to convert an
excitation emission emitted from the light source 32 to at least
one output emission configured to illuminate at least a portion of
the vehicle proximate the tailgate 16. The excitation emission 30
may comprise the first wavelength of light. The first output
emission 34 and each of the output emissions discussed herein may
comprise at least a second wavelength of light. The second
wavelength of light may comprise at least one wavelength having a
longer wavelength than the first wavelength. As discussed herein,
the first photoluminescent portion 28 and other photoluminescent
portions may be configured to have photochemical properties
configured to convert the first wavelength of light from the light
source 32 to the second wavelength. The second wavelength may
comprise additional wavelengths, including various combinations of
wavelengths to emit light from the lighting system 8.
The first wavelength of the excitation emission may correspond to a
violet or deep blue color of light. The first wavelength may have a
peak wavelength of approximately less than 500 nm. The second
wavelength of the one or more output emissions may correspond to
one or more wavelengths of light comprising at least one wavelength
greater in length than the first wavelength. In some
implementations, the second wavelength may correspond to a
plurality of wavelengths that may cause the output emissions to
appear as significantly white light. In this configuration, the
light emitted from the light source 32 at the first wavelength is
configured to excite the photoluminescent portions. In response to
the excitation caused by receiving the light at the first
wavelength, the photoluminescent portions may be configured to
convert the first wavelength to emit output emissions to illuminate
at least a portion of the vehicle 12 proximate the tailgate 16.
The light source 32 may comprise a plurality of emitters 64 in
communication with a controller. The controller may be configured
to selectively illuminate each of the plurality of emitters 64 in
response to one or more vehicle conditions. For example, the
controller may be configured to illuminate the light source 32 in
response to a gear selection of a transmission of the vehicle 12, a
lighting condition detected by one or more sensors in communication
with the controller, an ignition event, an entry of the vehicle 12,
a proximity detection of a key fob, and many additional conditions
that may be detected and/or identified in signals received by the
controller. In this way, the disclosure may provide for systems
configured to control the lighting system 8 to provide lighting to
improve safe access to the cargo compartment 10 as well as
additional functions corresponding to different states of the
vehicle 12.
Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, a photoluminescent structure 72 is
generally shown rendered as a coating (e.g. a film) capable of
being applied to a vehicle fixture, a discrete particle capable of
being implanted in a vehicle fixture, and a plurality of discrete
particles incorporated into a separate structure capable of being
applied to a vehicle fixture, respectively. As described herein, a
vehicle fixture may correspond to any surface or portion of the
vehicle 12, for example the tread portion 26. The photoluminescent
structure 72 may correspond to the photoluminescent portions as
discussed herein, for example the first photoluminescent portion 28
and the second photoluminescent portion. At the most basic level,
the photoluminescent structure 72 includes an energy conversion
layer 74 that may be provided as a single layer or a multilayer
structure, as shown through broken lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
The energy conversion layer 74 may include one or more
photoluminescent materials having energy converting elements
selected from a phosphorescent or a fluorescent material. The
photoluminescent materials may be formulated to convert an inputted
electromagnetic radiation into an outputted electromagnetic
radiation generally having a longer wavelength and expressing a
color that is not characteristic of the inputted electromagnetic
radiation. The difference in wavelength between the inputted and
outputted electromagnetic radiations is referred to as the Stokes
shift and serves as the principle driving mechanism for an energy
conversion process corresponding to a change in wavelength of
light, often referred to as down conversion. In the various
implementations discussed herein, each of the wavelengths of light
(e.g. the first wavelength, etc.) correspond to electromagnetic
radiation utilized in the conversion process.
Each of the photoluminescent portions may comprise at least one
photoluminescent structure 72 comprising an energy conversion layer
(e.g. conversion layer 74). The energy conversion layer 74 may be
prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymer
matrix 80 to form a homogenous mixture using a variety of methods.
Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 74
from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium and coating the
energy conversion layer 74 to a desired planar and/or non-planar
substrate of a vehicle fixture. The energy conversion layer 74 may
be deposited on a vehicle fixture by painting, screen printing,
spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating, and bar
coating. Additionally, the energy conversion layer 74 may be
prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium.
For example, a solid state solution (homogenous mixture in a dry
state) of one or more photoluminescent materials may be
incorporated in a polymer matrix 80 to provide the energy
conversion layer 74. The polymer matrix 80 may be formed by
extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring,
thermoforming, etc. In instances where one or more energy
conversion layers 74 are rendered as particles, the single or
multilayered energy conversion layers 74 may be implanted into a
vehicle fixture or panel. When the energy conversion layer 74
includes a multilayer formulation, each layer may be sequentially
coated. Additionally, the layers can be separately prepared and
later laminated or embossed together to form an integral layer. The
layers may also be coextruded to prepare an integrated multilayered
energy conversion structure.
Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure
72 may optionally include at least one stability layer 76 to
protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy
conversion layer 74 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The
stability layer 76 may be configured as a separate layer optically
coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 74. The
stability layer 76 may also be integrated with the energy
conversion layer 74. The photoluminescent structure 72 may also
optionally include a protection layer 78 optically coupled and
adhered to the stability layer 76 or any layer or coating to
protect the photoluminescent structure 72 from physical and
chemical damage arising from environmental exposure.
The stability layer 76 and/or the protection layer 78 may be
combined with the energy conversion layer 74 to form an integrated
photoluminescent structure 72 through sequential coating or
printing of each layer, or by sequential lamination or embossing.
Alternatively, several layers may be combined by sequential
coating, lamination, or embossing to form a substructure. The
substructure may then be laminated or embossed to form the
integrated photoluminescent structure 72. Once formed, the
photoluminescent structure 72 may be applied to a chosen vehicle
fixture.
In some implementations, the photoluminescent structure 72 may be
incorporated into a vehicle fixture as one or more discrete
multilayered particles as shown in FIG. 2C. The photoluminescent
structure 72 may also be provided as one or more discrete
multilayered particles dispersed in the polymer matrix 80 that is
subsequently applied to a vehicle fixture or panel as a contiguous
structure. Additional information regarding the construction of
photoluminescent structures to be utilized in at least one
photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY
EMISSION," filed Nov. 8, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to FIG. 3, the lighting system 8 is generally shown
according to a front-lit configuration 92. In this configuration,
the light or an excitation emission 30 is emitted from the light
source 32 and is converted to a first output emission 34 by the
energy conversion layer 74. The first output emission 34 may
correspond to an output emission generated by the first
photoluminescent portion 28 disposed proximate the tread portion 26
of the retractable step 18. The first photoluminescent portion 28
is discussed further in reference to FIG. 7.
The excitation emission 30 comprises a first wavelength
.lamda..sub.1, and the output emissions comprise at least the
second wavelength. The lighting system 8 comprises the
photoluminescent structure 72 disposed on or in at least one
photoluminescent portion 28. The photoluminescent structure 72 may
be rendered as a coating and applied to a substrate 82 of a vehicle
fixture, for example the tread portion 26 of the retractable step
18. The photoluminescent material may also be dispersed as a
polymer matrix 80 corresponding to the energy conversion layer 74,
which may be utilized to form the tread portion 26.
In some implementations, the energy conversion layer 74 may further
include the stability layer 76 and/or the protection layer 78. In
response to the light source 32 being activated, the excitation
emission 30 is received by the energy conversion layer 74 and
converted from the first wavelength .lamda..sub.1 to an output
emission having at least the second wavelength, for example, the
first output emission 34. Each of the output emissions may comprise
a plurality of wavelengths configured to emit any color of light
from each of the photoluminescent portions discussed herein. In
some implementations, each of the output emissions may correspond
to different colors of light. The colors of light of the output
emissions may correspond to the photochemical structure of each of
the photoluminescent portions. In this way, each of the output
emissions may be configured to emit different colors of light in
response to receiving an excitation emission.
In various implementations, the lighting system 8 comprises at
least one photoluminescent material incorporated in the polymer
matrix 80 and/or energy conversion layer 74 and is configured to
convert the excitation emission at the first wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 to the output emissions having at least the second
wavelength. In order to generate the plurality of wavelengths, the
energy conversion layer 74 may comprise one or more
photoluminescent materials configured to emit the output emissions
as wavelengths of light in the red, green, and/or blue color
spectrums. Such photoluminescent materials may further be combined
to generate a wide variety of colors of light for the output
emissions. For example, the red, green, and blue-emitting
photoluminescent materials may be utilized in a variety of
proportions and combinations to control the output color of the
output emissions.
Each of the photoluminescent materials may vary in output
intensity, output wavelength, and peak absorption wavelengths based
on a particular photochemical structure and combinations of
photochemical structures utilized in the energy conversion layer
74. As an example, the first output emission 34 may be changed by
adjusting the wavelength of an excitation emission to activate the
photoluminescent materials at different intensities to alter the
color of the first output emission 34. In addition to, or
alternatively to the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent
materials, other photoluminescent materials may be utilized alone
and in various combinations to generate the output emissions in a
wide variety of colors. In this way, the lighting system 8 may be
configured for a variety of applications to provide a desired
lighting color and effect for the vehicle 12.
To achieve the various colors and combinations of photoluminescent
materials described herein, the lighting system 8 may utilize any
form of photoluminescent materials, for example phospholuminescent
materials, organic and inorganic dyes, etc. For additional
information regarding fabrication and utilization of
photoluminescent materials to achieve various emissions, refer to
U.S. Pat. No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT
FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM," filed Jun. 5,
2009; U.S. Pat. No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., entitled
"PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS," filed Oct.
19, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 8,519,359 B2 to Kingsley et al., entitled
"PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR
HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED
SECONDARY EMISSION," filed Mar. 4, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,664,624 B2
to Kingsley et al., entitled "ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR
GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION," filed Nov. 14, 2012; U.S.
Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 to Agrawal et al., entitled
"PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL
USES," filed Mar. 29, 2012; U.S. Patent Publication No.
2014/0065442 Al to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT
OBJECTS," filed Oct. 23, 2012; and U.S. Patent Publication No.
2014/0103258 A1 to Agrawal et al., entitled "CHROMIC LUMINESCENT
COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES," filed Dec. 19, 2013, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The light source 32 may also be referred to as an excitation source
and is operable to emit at least the excitation emission 30 or any
of the excitation emissions discussed herein. The light source 32
or each of the emitters 64 may comprise any form of light source,
for example halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, light emitting
diodes (LEDs),organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), solid
state lighting or any other form of lighting configured to output
the excitation emissions. The excitation emissions from the light
source 32 may be configured such that the first wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of
the one or more photoluminescent materials of the energy conversion
layer 74 and/or polymer matrix 80. In response to receiving the
light at the first wavelength .lamda..sub.1, the energy conversion
layer 74 may be excited and output the one or more output
wavelengths, for example, the second emission having the second
wavelength .lamda..sub.2. The excitation emission 30 provides an
excitation source for the energy conversion layer 74 by targeting
absorption wavelengths of a particular photoluminescent material or
combination thereof utilized therein. As such, the lighting system
8 may be configured to output the output emissions at a desired
light intensity and color.
In an exemplary implementation, the light source 32 comprises an
LED configured to emit the first wavelength .lamda..sub.1 which may
correspond to a blue spectral, violet, and/or ultra-violet color
range. The blue spectral color range comprises a range of
wavelengths generally expressed as blue light (.about.440-500 nm).
In some implementations, the first wavelength .lamda..sub.1 may
comprise a wavelength in the ultraviolet and near ultraviolet color
range (.about.100-450 nm). In an exemplary implementation, the
first wavelength .lamda..sub.1 may be approximately equal to 470
nm. Though particular wavelengths and ranges of wavelengths are
discussed in reference to the first wavelength .lamda..sub.1, the
first wavelength .lamda..sub.1 may generally be configured to
excite any photoluminescent material.
In an exemplary implementation, the first wavelength .lamda..sub.1
may be approximately less than 500 nm. The blue spectral color
range and shorter wavelengths may be utilized as an excitation
source for the lighting system 8 due to these wavelengths having
limited perceptual acuity in the visible spectrum of the human eye.
By utilizing shorter wavelengths for the first wavelength
.lamda..sub.1, and converting the first wavelength with the
conversion layer 74 to at least one longer wavelength, the lighting
system 8 may create a visual effect of light originating from the
photoluminescent structure 72. In this configuration, the lighting
system 8 may provide for a cost effective system to provide
lighting in a variety of locations.
As discussed herein, each of the plurality of wavelengths
corresponding to the output emissions may correspond to a
significantly different spectral color range. The second wavelength
may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths configured to appear
as substantially white light. The plurality of wavelengths may be
generated by a red-emitting photoluminescent material having a
wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm, a green emitting
photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately
526-606 nm, and a blue or blue-green emitting photoluminescent
material having a wavelength longer than the first wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and approximately 430-525 nm in one embodiment. The
plurality of wavelengths may be utilized to generate a wide variety
of colors of light from each of the photoluminescent portions
converted from the first wavelength .lamda..sub.1.
Referring to FIG. 4, the lighting system 8 is generally shown
according to a back-lit configuration 102 to convert the excitation
emission 30 from the light source 32 to a second output emission
104. The back-lit configuration 102 may correspond to a
configuration discussed in reference to FIG. 6 demonstrating a
light guide 120 and a second photoluminescent portion 106. The
back-lit configuration 102 comprises an energy conversion layer 74
and/or photoluminescent material dispersed in a polymer matrix 80.
Similar to the energy conversion layer 74 demonstrated in reference
to the front-lit configuration 92, the energy conversion layer 74
may be configured to be excited and output the one or more
wavelengths corresponding to the second wavelength in response to
receiving the excitation emission 30. In the back-lit
configuration, the polymer matrix may be of at least partially
transparent material such that the excitation emission may be
converted by the second photoluminescent portion to emit the second
output emission 104.
The plurality of wavelengths of the second output emission 104 may
be configured to emit any color of light from the second
photoluminescent portion 106 in response to the excitation of the
energy conversion layer 74. The color of the light corresponding to
the second output emission 104 may be controlled by utilizing
particular types and/or ratios of photoluminescent materials as
discussed herein. The second output emission 104 may correspond to
light output that may illuminate at least a portion of the vehicle
12 proximate the tailgate 16. In this configuration, the lighting
system 8 may be operable to illuminate an exterior portion of the
vehicle 12.
In some implementations, each of the photoluminescent portions 28,
106 may comprise an organic or inorganic fluorescent dye configured
to convert the excitation emission 30 to the output emission For
example, the photoluminescent portions 28, 106 may comprise a
photoluminescent structure of rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins,
phthalocyanines, or other materials suited to a particular Stokes
shift defined by the first absorption range and emission
fluorescence. In some embodiments, the photoluminescent portions
28, 106 may be of at least one inorganic luminescent material
selected from the group of phosphors. The inorganic luminescent
material may more particularly be from the group of Ce-doped
garnets, such as YAG:Ce. As such, the each of the photoluminescent
portions 28, 106 may be selectively activated by a wide range of
wavelengths received from the excitation emission 30 configured to
excite a specific photoluminescent material and emit an output
emission having a desired color.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a projected view and a side view of
the vehicle 12 demonstrating the lighting system 8 are shown,
respectively. FIG. 5 demonstrates the second surface 112 or an
exterior surface of the tailgate 16 of the vehicle 12 having the
retractable step 18 in a retracted position 114 and concealed
within the body portion 38 of the tailgate 16. As show the at least
one support bracket 24 is disposed within the cavity 36, retracted
within the channel portions 54 shown as hidden lines. In the
retracted position 114, the lighting system 8 is configured to
illuminate at least a portion of the second surface 112 by
selectively illuminating the second photoluminescent portion 106.
For example, the lighting system 8 may be configured to illuminate
a handle 116 or badge 118 disposed on the second surface 112.
In the retracted position 114, the light source 32 or each of the
emitters 64 may be aligned with apertures formed in the tread
portion 26 of the retractable step 18. In this configuration, the
excitation emission 30 may be directed through the apertures and
into a light guide 120. The light guide 120 may be composed of a
light transmissive material and configured to direct light along a
length 119 of the cavity 36 formed by the body portion 38. In some
implementations, the light guide 120 may be of polymeric material
operable to efficiently transmit the first wavelength of the
excitation emission 30 therethrough. The light guide 120 may also
be configured to distribute the excitation emission 30
substantially along the length 119 of the cavity 36.
In the retracted position 114, the light guide 120 may direct the
excitation emission 30 toward an optic 122. The optic 122 may be
configured in the back-lit configuration 102 and comprise the
second photoluminescent portion 106. In response to receiving the
excitation emission 30, the second photoluminescent portion 106 may
become excited and emit the second output emission 104. As such,
the optic 122 may be configured to convert the excitation emission
30 to the second output emission 104. In this configuration, the
second output emission 104 may be directed by the optic 122 such
that at least a portion of the second surface 112 is
illuminated.
As discussed herein, the disclosure provides for a flexible
lighting system operable to illuminate a tread portion of a
retractable step and an exterior surface of a tailgate in a first
position and a second position, respectively. The first position
corresponds to the retractable step being arranged in an extended
position. The second position corresponds to the retractable step
being arranged in a retracted position. The unique system provides
for a single light source to be utilized to selectively illuminate
the tailgate and the tread portion of the step based on a position
of the retractable step.
Referring to FIG. 7, a projected view of a cargo compartment 10 of
the vehicle 12 is shown demonstrating a lighting system 152. The
lighting system 152 may be similar to the lighting system 8 having
like and/or similar features commonly numbered. The tailgate 16 may
comprise a retractable step 18 configured to assist in accessing
the bed 14. In the extended position 20, the retractable step 18
provides a stepping surface 22 supported by at least one support
bracket 24 extending from the tailgate 16. In this configuration,
the retractable step 18 may provide for the cargo compartment 10 of
the vehicle 12 to be safely accessed by limiting a step height
required to access the cargo compartment 10.
The retractable step 18 comprises a tread portion 26. The tread
portion 26 may comprise a first photoluminescent portion 28. In the
extended position 20, the first photoluminescent portion 28 may be
configured to illuminate in response to receiving an excitation
emission 30 at a first wavelength from a light source 154. The
light source 154 may be configured to emit the excitation emission
30 toward the first photoluminescent portion 28 such that the first
wavelength of the excitation emission 30 impinges upon the first
photoluminescent portion 28. In response to receiving the
excitation emission 30, the first photoluminescent portion 28 may
become excited and emit a first output emission 34. In this way,
the lighting system 8 may selectively illuminate the tread portion
26 to provide access to the bed 14 via the tailgate 16.
The first output emission 34 is emitted from the tread portion 26
to provide ambient light such that the tread portion 26 is
illuminated during dark environmental lighting conditions. The
light source 154 may be disposed proximate a support rail 156. The
support rail 156 may be connected to the tailgate 16 and configured
to collapse about a rotatable assembly 158 such that the support
rail 156 may be selectively positioned in a first position or a
second position 160. The first position may correspond to a stowed
position, wherein the elongated body of the support rail is
substantially parallel to a first surface 60 (interior surface) of
the tailgate 16. The second position 160, as illustrated in FIG. 7,
may correspond to an upright position extending substantially
perpendicular to the first surface 60. As described herein, the
support rail 156 may be accessed from the first position by
rotating the support rail 156 about the rotatable assembly 158 into
the second position 160. In this configuration, the support rail
156 may provide for a handle to further improve access to the cargo
compartment 10.
The support rail 156 may further correspond to a retractable handle
comprising a telescoping assembly 164. The telescoping assembly 164
may comprise a proximal handle portion 166 and a distal handle
portion 168 configured to extend in a telescoping configuration.
The proximal handle portion 166 and the distal handle portion 168
of the telescoping assembly 164 may form an internal passage 170.
In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 154 is disposed in a
proximal end portion 172 of the proximal handle portion 166. In
this configuration, the excitation emission 30 output from the
light source 154 may be operable to direct a first portion 174 of
the excitation emission 30 toward the first photoluminescent
portion 28 when oriented in the second position 160. Additionally,
a second portion of the excitation emission 30 may be directed from
the light source 154 into the internal passage 170. The internal
passage 170 and the configurations of the telescoping assembly 164
are further discussed in reference to FIG. 8.
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the tailgate 16 of the vehicle
12 comprising the lighting system 152. Referring now to FIGS. 7 and
8, the second portion 176 of the excitation emission 30 may pass
through the internal passage from the proximal end portion 172 of
the proximal handle portion 166 to a distal end portion 178 of the
distal handle portion 168. A first emitting portion 180 may be
disposed on the telescoping assembly 164. In some implementations,
at least one additional light emitting portion or a second light
emitting portion 182 may further be disposed on the telescoping
assembly 164. Each of the light emitting portions 180, 182 may be
of at least a partially light transmissive material and in
connection with the telescoping assembly such that at least a part
of the second portion 176 of the excitation emission 30 passes from
the internal passage into the partially light transmissive material
of the light emitting portions 180, 182.
The partially light transmissive material of the light emitting
portions 180, 182 may correspond to any material operable transmit
light energy therethrough and more particularly be resistant to
environmental conditions associated operating environments for the
vehicle 12. In some embodiments a polymeric material operable to
efficiently transmit the first wavelength of the excitation
emission 30 therethrough may be utilized to form each of the light
emitting portions 180, 182. In this configuration, each of the
light emitting portions 180, 182 may be illuminated by the
excitation emission 30 such the support rail 156 is visible during
dark ambient light conditions.
In some implementations, the first light emitting portion 180 and
the second light emitting portion 182 may correspond to a second
photoluminescent portion 184 and a third photoluminescent portion
186, respectively. For example, at least one photoluminescent
material may be disposed in the material of the light emitting
portions 180, 182 and/or applied as a coating thereto. In this
configuration, each of the light emitting portions 180, 182 may be
configured to receive at least a part of the second portion 176 of
the excitation emission 30 and convert the excitation emission 30
to an output emission similar to the output emission 34 emitted
from the first photoluminescent portion 28.
In some embodiments, each of the photoluminescent portions 28, 184,
and 186 may be configured to emit an output emission that is
similar in color to the output emission 34. In such embodiments,
each of the photoluminescent portions 28, 184, and 186 may comprise
similar photoluminescent materials. In an exemplary embodiment,
each of the photoluminescent portions 28, 184, and 186 may be
operable to output the first output emission 34, a second emission
194, and a third output emission 196, respectively. Each of the
output emissions 34, 194, and 196 may correspond to light emissions
in a plurality of colors.
For example, the first photoluminescent portion 28 may emit the
first output emission 34 corresponding to a first color 202. The
second photoluminescent portion 184 may emit the second output
emission 194 corresponding to a second color 204. The third
photoluminescent portion 196 may emit the third output emission 196
corresponding to a third color 206. Each of the colors 202, 204,
and 206 may be similar or vary based on a desired lighting effect,
decorative appearance, or various design criteria. Each of the
colors 202, 204, and 206 may correspond to a color of the light
emitting portions 180 and 182, and/or one or more photoluminescent
materials utilized to form the photoluminescent portions 28, 184,
and 186.
In an exemplary embodiment, each of the proximal handle portion 166
and the distal handle portion 168 may form one or more walls 208 of
the internal passage 170. The internal passage 170 may correspond
to a cavity formed by the walls 208 of the each of the portions 166
and 168 and provide a significantly closed path for the second
portion 176 of the excitation emission 30 to be transmitted within
the internal passage 170. Additionally, the internal passage 170
may provide for the distal handle portion 168 to retractably slide
into the internal passage 170 in the proximal handle portion 166.
For example, the outer wall 208a of the distal handle portion 168
may be configured to retractably slide into the internal passage
170 formed by the outer wall 208b of the proximal handle portion
166.
Referring now to FIG. 9, an exemplary block diagram of the lighting
systems 8 and 152 is shown. The lighting systems may comprise a
lighting controller 222 configured to control the illumination of
the light source 32 to illuminate the photoluminescent portions 28,
106. The lighting controller 222 may be in communication with a
communication bus 224 of the vehicle. The communication bus may be
configured to deliver signals to the lighting controller 222
identifying various vehicle states. For example, the communication
bus 224 may be configured to communicate to the lighting controller
222 a drive selection of the vehicle, an ignition state, a remote
activation of the light source 32, or any other information or
control signals that may be utilized to adjust the illumination of
the lighting system 8. In this way, the lighting controller 222 may
be selectively activated in response to one or more states of the
vehicle. Though the lighting controller 222 is discussed herein, in
some embodiments the light source 32 may be activated in response
to an electrical or electro-mechanical switch in response to a
position of the retractable step 18 and/or the tailgate 16.
The lighting controller 222 may comprise a processor 226 comprising
one or more circuits configured to receive the signals from the
communication bus 224 and output signals to control the light
source 32 to emit the excitation emission 30. The processor 226 may
be in communication with a memory 228 configured to store
instructions to control the activation of the light source 32. The
lighting controller 222 may further be in communication with an
ambient light sensor 230. The ambient light sensor 230 may be
operable to communicate a light condition, for example a level
brightness or intensity of the ambient light proximate the vehicle
12. In response to the level of the ambient light, the lighting
controller 222 may be configured to adjust a light intensity output
from the light source 32. The intensity of the light output from
the light source 32 may be adjusted by controlling a duty cycle,
current, or voltage supplied to the light source 32.
For the purposes of describing and defining the present teachings,
it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are
utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty
that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value,
measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" and
"approximately" are also utilized herein to represent the degree by
which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated
reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of
the subject matter at issue.
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be
made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *